Road trip · Sierra Nevada, California
California Sierra Parks Loop
The loop
Yosemite's granite valley, then south to the giant sequoias and deep canyons of Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks.
Overview line between stops, not turn-by-turn directions.
Stop by stop
- 1
Yosemite National Park
Suggested: 3 days (full guide: 3–5 days)
2026 Entry and Separate Stay Reservations
~83 mi straight-line from Yosemite National Park
2Kings Canyon National Park
Suggested: 2 days (full guide: 2–4 days)
Seasonal Canyon Access and Wilderness Permit Requirements
~16 mi straight-line from Kings Canyon National Park
3Sequoia National Park
Suggested: 2 days (full guide: 2–4 days)
Park Entry and Giant Forest Parking
Quick answers
How many days do I need for the California Sierra Parks Loop?
Plan about 7 days to give each of the 3 stops its suggested minimum time, plus extra if you add rest days.
Which order should I visit the stops in?
Yosemite National Park, then Kings Canyon National Park, then Sequoia National Park. The order keeps each leg as short as possible.
Do any stops on this loop need reservations?
Check booking rules early for Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park. Each stop's guide links to the official source.